Well, I didn't realize going into this book that it would be such a feminist retelling of the tales. Not that there's anything wrong with that -- I was just unprepared for 800 pages of not-so-subliminal goddess-worship messages. By the end, it felt a bit preachy, and somewhat overwhelmed the actual plot and characters, but I suppose that's what sets it apart from the slew of other Arthurian adaptations.

The story dragged a bit for the first 100 pages (which feels more like prologue, telling what happened to instigate Arthur's birth), and then it dragged a bit for the last 100 pages as well (which felt a bit like epilogue, as the main plot's conclusion was pretty much determined), but considering that still leaves 600 pages of interesting story, I'm sticking to my 4/5 star rating.

What I liked most about the book was Bradley's characterizations of all the characters (the women in particular, but the men as well). Each character's core values and rationalizations were evident and consistent, from Igraine to Gwenhwyfar to Nimue, and Arthur to Kevin. Each of the players is distinct and memorable, and even their betrayals of one another are understandable and sympathetic from each point of view.

So, altogether: A good story told well.